When it comes to our kids, we want the best for them. We hope they have a great future and that they turn out just like God wants them to. But sometimes – just sometimes – their behavior drives us crazy!
It can feel like nothing we do is right or that we just can’t seem to get THROUGH to their little hearts.
But that’s why we pray for our children for many reasons. Prayer, is honestly YOUR BIGGEST POWER as a believer!!!
Here are 30 days of prayers for your children’s behavior.
You can pick one to say each day and then watch as things start to change and God melts their little souls!
Day 1: Anger (Proverbs 16:32)
Lord, I pray that my children would not be controlled by anger but that they would learn to control their tempers. Help them to count to 10, or 20, or even 100 if necessary, before they say or do something in anger. Let them know that there are other, better, ways to resolve issues and that they CAN control their anger, and that they act on these more positive ways to portray how they are upset.
Day 2: Disobedience (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
As Christian parents, we are called to train our children in the way they should go, so that when they are older they will not depart from it. But, as any parent knows, children have a natural tendency to be disobedient. It’s not that they’re bad kids necessarily, but they’re still learning how to control their impulses and follow rules. This can be frustrating for parents, who have to constantly remind their kids to do things like brushing their teeth or picking up their toys. However, it’s important to remember that this phase is just a normal part of childhood development. With time and patience, most kids will learn to obey their parents and follow the rules. In the meantime, it’s important to keep your cool and remain calm when your child is disobedient. After all, they’re just trying to test the limits and figure out what they can get away with. With a little understanding and a lot of love, you can help your child learn to control their impulses and become an obedient member of the family.
Day 3: Talking Back (Proverbs 15:1)
Dear Lord, I pray that my children would learn to respect authority. I know it can be difficult for them to always do what they’re told, especially when they don’t understand why they have to do something. But I pray that they would learn to trust those who are in authority over them, and that they would know that there is a reason behind everything we do. Help them to control their tongues when they’re tempted to talk back, and to instead use their words wisely for the good of others.
Day 4: Depression (Psalm 42:5)
Lord, I know that depression can be a heavy burden to bear. I pray that my children would not have to carry this weight. I know that you are familiar with all our sorrows, and I ask that you would give my children your strength and peace. Help them to see the hope and beauty in life, even when things are difficult. Give them your wisdom so that they can discern between what is true and what is false. I pray that they would find joy in the everyday moments and that they would not dwell on the negative. Help them to see the good in people and in situations, and to focus on the positive. Most of all, Lord, I pray that you would be with them always. Be their light in the darkness, and their hope in times of despair.
Day 5: Sassy Attitude (Proverbs 29:11)
Sassiness is a way of talking back without actually saying anything disrespectful. It is a way of rolling your eyes or making a face that shows you do not agree with what someone has said. It is also a way of speaking in a tone that is rude or disrespectful. A sassy attitude is often a sign that a child is feeling insecure or threatened. It can also be a sign of disobedience. When our children have a sassy attitude, we need to pray for them.
Lord, I pray that my children would not be sassy, but instead would learn to respect those in authority over them. Help them know that they can pray and that You will help them to see the error of their ways and give them a heart of humility, if they ask for it.
Day 6: Making Fun Of How Others Look (1 Samuel 16:7)
No one is born perfect. We all have our own unique physical features that make us who we are. It is important to teach our children that what truly matters is what’s on the inside. When they feel down about their appearance, we can pray for them, that they would see themselves the way God sees them – as His beloved children.
Dear Lord, I pray that my children would learn to accept themselves and others for who they are. I pray that they would know that you made everyone just the way they are supposed to be. Help them to focus on inner beauty, and to let go of any negative thoughts about appearances. Remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that you love them just the way they are.
Day 7: Acting Out (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Dear Lord, I pray that my children would not act out in negative ways. I know that it can be difficult for them to always do what is right, especially when they are around other kids who are misbehaving. But I pray that they would learn to control their impulses and make good choices, even when it’s hard. Help them to discern between right and wrong, and to always choose what is right. I pray that they would have the courage to do what is right, even when it’s not popular, and that they would be a positive influence on those around them.
Day 9: Lying (Proverbs 12:22)
Dear Lord, I pray that my children would not lie. Help them to always tell the truth, even when it’s hard. I know that sometimes it can be tempting to lie, but I pray that they would have the strength to resist. Let them know that they don’t have to resort to lying and that it can cause much more harm than good. Help them to see that lying is always wrong, and that it only leads to more problems down the road. Remind them that honesty is always the best policy, it is what you expect of us, and show them that I will love them no matter what.
Day 10: Bad Attitude (Philippians 2:3-4)
It is so important for our children to have the right attitude. We want them to be humble, kind, and loving. We want them to think of others before themselves. This passage from Philippians is a great prayer to pray for our children, that they would have the right attitude in all they do. Because attitude is everything. It is so important for our children to have a positive outlook on life and not a negative one. A positive attitude will help them succeed in everything they do, and will help them maintain happiness, even when they do fail at things. It will help them overcome obstacles and reach their goals because it will help them how to happily find alternative solutions. A positive attitude is also contagious. When our children have a positive outlook, it will rub off on those around them. Their friends and classmates will benefit from their positive example. So pray for your children to develop the right attitude by teaching them to focus on the positive, to be grateful for what they have, and to always look for the good in others.
Day 11: Bullying Others (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
Bullying is a serious problem. It can lead to long-term psychological damage for both the victim and the bully.
Dear Lord, we pray that our children would not bully others and that they would always stand up against bullying when they see it happening to themselves or to others. We pray that you surround them with good people and that they influence others around them in good, positive ways.
Day 12: Disrespecting Authority Figures (Romans 13:1-2)
It is important for our children to learn to respect authority figures. This includes teachers, coaches, police officers, parents, etc. When our children disrespect those in authority, it can be very frustrating, but we must remember that we are the adults and they are the children. We must lead by example and show them the proper way to speak to those in authority.
Day 13: Lashing Out In Anger (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Anger is a natural emotion. But it is important for our children to learn how to control their anger. When they act out in anger, it can lead to hurt feelings and ruined relationships.
Lord, we pray for our children, that they would learn to control their anger and that they would always seek to resolve conflict in a peaceful way. Let them know that it’s never okay to lash out in anger. It’s okay to be angry, but it’s what you do when you’re angry that can be sinful.
Day 14: Disobeying Parents (Colossians 3:20)
Disobeying parents is a natural part of growing up. As children learn and grow, they will inevitably test the boundaries set by their parents. This is something to be expected. We pray that our kids would learn to respect us and that they would obey. It’s such an important part of life and encapsulates so many other qualities that they’ll take with them all life long.
Day 15: Intimidating Others (1 Corinthians 8:13)
Intimidating others is a form of bullying. It can lead to long-term psychological damage for both the victim and the bully.
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that our kids would not make fun of others or try to intimidate or threaten others, and that they would always stand up against bullying when they see it happening, whether it’s to them or someone else. Let them know in their hearts how hurtful it is to scare others. Being scared or frightened is NOT from the Holy Spirit. And the fear of God is way different than being scared or intimidated by someone or something. Let them know what You would be proud of them to do and let them want to follow Your ways, Lord.
Day 16: Arguing With Siblings (Proverbs 15:1)
Siblings will inevitably argue with each other. It is important for our children to learn how to resolve conflict in a peaceful way.
Lord, we pray for our children, that they would learn to control their anger and that they would always seek to resolve conflict in a peaceful way. Even if a sibling starts fights all the time, give them the words and actions to help their siblings calm down and seek peace at all times.
Day 17: Being Inconsiderate (1 Corinthians 10:24)
It is important for our children to be considerate of others. We want them to think of others before themselves. This passage from 1 Corinthians is a great prayer to pray for our children, that they would always be considerate of others and that they would not do anything that would hurt someone else.
Day 18: Being Greedy (Proverbs 11:24-25)
Greediness is an issue that can lead to all sorts of problems. It can damage relationships and cause people to act in ways that are not in their best interest. Children need to learn to be content with what they have and to not let greed take over their minds. When you’re greedy, it’s difficult to even see that you’re acting this way, which makes it even more difficult to climb out of it. To prevent greed from happening, we should pray that our kids be weary of this behavior and to prevent it in the first place.
Day 19: Excluding Others (1 Corinthians 12:26)
No one likes to feel left out. It is important for our children to learn to include others and to make others feel like they belong. Children should seek to include others and that they would not do anything that would make someone else feel excluded.
Dear Lord, I pray you touch the hearts of my children and the ones who are around them. Let them have a sweet nature and befriend them, filling their minds, thoughts, and hearts with sweet thoughts from a good place. I pray that my children don’t exclude others, whether for their negative behavior, from any peer pressure around them, or by following the crowd. Let them stand on their own two feet to do the right thing, even if they are alone in doing that. Make a sense of unity and family amongst them as they befriend one another and get along with everyone.
Day 20: Being Selfish (Proverbs 11:17)
Selfishness is an issue that can lead to a myriad of problems. It can damage relationships and cause people to act in ways that are not in their best interest. Pray for your children, that they would learn to put others first and that they would not let selfishness get the best of them. We should always be focusing on other people and taking the time to care for them, diligently. Pray that your children see the importance of not being selfish.
Day 21: Boasting or Bragging (James 4:16)
Lord, I pray that you reveal yourself to my children through their lives and help them be humble in their achievements. Proud of their accomplishments, but not boastful. Please help them with bragging as we all are tempted to do this at times. Help my children learn that it is not appropriate to rub victory in other people’s faces and they can go about this in a more humble type of way. Please also teach my children good sportsmanship, as that is the building block of working together as a team, and losing AND winning gracefully.
Day 22: Cheating (Proverbs 11:1)
Cheating is never okay. It is important for our children to learn to be honest in all that they do. We pray that they would always be honest and that they would never cheat or lie. But if they do cheat, please show them how to make amends and ask for forgiveness, change and repent.
Day 23: Jealousy (James 3:16)
Jealousy is an emotion that can oftentimes lead to a lot of problems. It can damage relationships and cause people to act in ways that are not in their best interest or the best interest of others. We must pray for our children, that they would learn to control their jealousy and that they would not let it get the best of them. If they DO become jealous, the best place to take it, is straight to the Lord.
Day 24: Stealing (Proverbs 22:28)
Dear Lord, we pray that our children know that stealing is wrong. We pray they learn not to take what belongs to someone else and that they would learn to respect other people’s property. Let them be God-like and more giving so that they will seek the goodness within their own hearts and see how rewarding it is to give something to someone else. We pray they learn this at an early age, and continue learning this throughout their lives. Being helpful is so important nowadays, and it is like a beacon in the night.
Day 25: Defiance (Numbers 15:30)
Defiance is, at the very root, rebellion. We must pray for our children, that they would learn to respect authority and that they would not let defiance get the best of them.
We pray, dear Lord, for our understanding and patience during this time with our children, and give us the right words and actions to say and do as we teach them right and wrong. Let our teaching them make way into their hearts and minds, so that they are always reminded that they can come to us whenever they have issues, and they don’t have to take it out on us, their siblings, or someone else in their life. We pray that we show them how wonderful they are, and that they establish the confidence to feel peace.
Day 26: Gossiping (Proverbs 11:13)
Dear Lord, we know gossiping is so incredibly harmful. We also know it can damage relationships and spread hurtful rumors. We pray that our children would not gossip or spread rumors about others. Let them see the lies in other rumors from deceitful tongues, and we pray they take no party to it. Instead, Lord, direct their hearts to do good and squash any rumor they have the opportunity to squash. Let them not be tempted to talk wrongfully about someone else, for they will know how hurt the other person will be. Let their hearts only know peace, joy, and happiness and never seek to harm others.
Day 27: Entitlement (Ephesians 2:8)
Entitlement is the act of feeling we deserve something or someone.
We pray that our children would learn to be grateful for what they have and that they would not let entitlement get the best of them. Because it seems the more time passes, the more the generations become entitled, like the world owes them something. Less work, more rest can often lead to entitlement. Therefore, we pray that our children not be lazy and to learn to love to work and have a great work ethic instilled in them at an early age, and that they feel good about it!
Day 28: Hitting (Matthew 26:52)
Hitting is never okay. It is important for our children to learn to control their anger and to not resort to violence. We pray that our children would always seek to resolve conflict in a peaceful way and that they would not hit or hurt anyone. It isn’t good for neither the one doing the hitting nor the one getting hit upon. God speaks of peace and love, respect and honor in His Word; treating other people nicely. Hitting goes against His precious Word.
Day 29: Impulsive Behavior (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
Impulsive behavior can lead a lot of frustrations, pain, and suffering (things like debt in the future). We must pray for our children, that they would learn to think and give things time before they act and that they would not let impulsive behavior get the best of them.
Dear God, thank you for giving us the freedom to like and love what we choose to like and love. We pray that our children know the difference between right and wrong and they don’t act suddenly with every single thought that comes to mind. As You have said Lord, in James 1:19: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This is especially true when they talk too much or say ANYTHING that comes to mind. We pray they speak wisdom and truth, and when they speak, they speak with love. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 is very clear, “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.” Please allow the words of your heart to permeate their souls, so that they are able to obey them.
Day 30: Using Bad Language (Ephesians 4:29)
Using bad language is not only disrespectful, but it can also be harmful. We pray our children would not use bad language and that they would always speak respectfully. It’s so important for their words to speak of truth, and not of deceit. What you say, you become. We don’t want our children to speak ugliness or shamefully. And cursing is not the only bad language there is. There’s also speaking against others, spreading gossip, talking back to parents, saying hateful things, telling lies, and so on. This bad language doesn’t represent them well as Christians. If you hear this coming from your child, be sure to ask them if they’re making God proud. Because God does not speak against truth and love; God is Truth. God is Love. Anything not in line with God’s Word is not of God. And it’s important to act Christ-like so that, as disciples, our children will help spread the Gospel of Jesus.
Praying for our children is so important. We need to pray that they would not do anything that would hurt themselves or others. We need to pray that they would always seek to resolve conflict in a peaceful way. And we need to pray that they would always be considerate of others.
We want them to grow up to be happy and healthy adults. But we know that this world is not perfect and that our children will face challenges. We must pray for our children, that they would overcome all the challenges they face in life and that they would grow up to be strong, kind, and God-fearing adults.
Let us commit to praying for our children every day, that they would grow up to be kind, compassionate, and obedient to God in all their ways.